A CASH-strapped force is selling off almost a THIRD of its police houses in a desperate bid to raise cash.

West Midlands Police Authority is hoping to bank £1.2 million from flogging six homes and more than half an acre of land in Sparkhill, Birmingham.

Another 10 properties have also been put up for sale as cops look to save £78 million from their cuts-hit budget.

West Midlands Police Authority currently owns 50 houses across the region.

The package of land and properties in Sparkill – at the corner of Stratford Road and Longmore Lane – has been on the market since Christmas.

The six houses have not been lived in for some time and had most recently been used for training by the tactical firearms unit.

It is understood an offer has now been made for the plot and properties, which police chiefs are currently considering.

Described as an investment/development site, the package comprises of 0.6 acres of land and six semi-detached former police houses, available on a freehold basis.

KWB is the property agent and says on its website that the site “offers redevelopment potential and the opportunity for retail, commercial or higher density residential use subject to planning consent.’’

But the big sell-off of almost a third of police homes has prompted concern among officers who currently live in them with their families.

And well-placed sources say the force is abuzz with rumours that the remaining 34 properties will eventually also be sold off – leaving tenants needing to find new homes.

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police Authority confirmed the force owns 50 houses – and that 16 are currently on the market.

But the force would only consider selling off old police houses when and if they became available, she added.

The Sunday Mercury recently told how cash-strapped cops had also considered selling off police stations in a desperate bid to make money.

Bosses admitted they had looked into the shock sale of some of their most valuable buildings, but had no plans to do so at the moment.

Insiders claim serious discussions had taken place about selling stations in prime locations, including Steelhouse Lane in Birmingham city centre and in leafy Moseley.

Two weeks ago West Midlands Police Authority confirmed that it would need to save £78 million in the next two years because of budget cuts.

It said the settlement for this financial year required £40 million to be saved, which was “difficult but achievable”.